At the Veterans Service Office our purpose is to provide eligible veterans and their families with financial assistance. This includes tax-free income for eligible veterans, their widows and/or family members.

Two different types of financial assistance are available. Eligible Veterans injured on active duty are potentially eligible for disability income or for those that are within a low income situation and served during a declared war period are potentially eligible for pension income.

This message is for Editor Hugh G. Willett. I would like to tell you that I really enjoy your articles.

There are a few that I keep reflecting on. The article on Jim Henry was a well-deserved article. A hometown boy who really went a long way and made something out of himself. His work for the disabled and the children of this state is remarkable and unimaginable. He was a spokesperson for “All of Tennessee Children.”

I agree with Lesi Clough Gibson’s Nov. 16 letter in being very happy that residents living South of the River will now have access to high-speed internet service. It is progress.

I also live near several gated communities, from Caney Creek Road to New Hope Road, which leads to Grande Vista Bay. We can get satellite services for internet and TV. The cost is rather outrageous, and the service not so good.

Internet bogs down ... bad weather knocks out TV, as well as internet.

Being one of many “gentle readers” of Mr. Largens opinion in the Friday, Nov. 18, edition, I would like to applaud his perspective.

Those who know me know that I am a life-long Republican and a conservative (not necessarily the same thing these days).

While we often differ, like Mr. Largen, I, too, felt we had two of the poorest candidates in my lifetime. During the primaries, Mr. Trump was not my first choice. However, unlike Mr. Largen, when I walked into that voting booth, I had no problem spinning the wheel down to Donald Trump’s name.

The LeMond Composites announcement carried in a recent edition was welcome news to Roane County and the region.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has become a primary driver of economic development activity in Roane County. The location of Lemond Composites in our community demonstrates the successes that the lab’s technology transfer efforts have generated.

As the school district and community have opportunity to reflect upon the ACT scores produced by juniors and senior students from the 2015-16 school year, it is important to remember the dedication and hard work of teachers, parents, administrators and students.

Across our five high schools, alternative learning center, five middle schools and six elementary schools, we are fortunate enough to have caring, dedicated and driven educators and community members looking forward to the growth and improvement our students will make.